EFSA lowers amaranth ADI and questions standards

The European Food Safety Authority has established a new, lower acceptable daily intake for the food colouring amaranth

This measure was taken after re-evaluating the scientific evidence for its safety, wich suggests that new specifications also should be set.

Not to be confused with the healthy grain also called amaranth, the red azo-dye is known as E123 in Europe and is most commonly used in fish roe products and aperitif beverages. It has been banned in the United States since 1976, but the FAO/WHO previously set an ADI of 0-0.5 mg/kg bw/d; the European Scientific Committee for Food (SCF) set a higher ADI of 0.0.8 mg/kg bw/d.

EFSA has now lowered that ADI to 0.015 mg/kg/bw, a decision which is most likely to have an impact on manufacturers of red-coloured aperitif beverages.

EFSA has decided to lower the ADI on the basis of several studies on the reproductive or developmental toxicity of the dye, and a 2-year rat study in renal calcification and hyperplasia. Other studies on genotoxicity, carcinogenicity and formation of sulphonated naphthylamines were not seen to raise big problems.

Aporte: Rodrigo Miranda

Fuente: http://www.foodnavigator.com/